Image is for representational purposes only | Photo credit: ANI
After a gap of nearly seven years, tourists can once again enjoy elephant safaris in Uttarakhand’s Corbett and Rajaji tiger reserves, a senior official said on Monday (Nov 24, 2025).
Uttarakhand Chief Wildlife Warden Ranjan Kumar Mishra said that after the legal complications were resolved, a proposal to resume the elephant safari was submitted to the Uttarakhand Wildlife Advisory Council, which was approved by the ex-officio chairman of the council, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and former deputy forest minister Uni.
Mr. Mishra said after receiving the necessary permissions, elephant safaris have been resumed in both the sanctuaries.
Elephant safaris have been resumed in Dhikala and Jhirna areas of Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR) and Cheela in Rajaji Tiger Reserve (RTR) during the current tourist season, generating considerable enthusiasm among tourists, he said.
The Uttarakhand High Court banned elephant safaris in the state on 3 August 2018. The Supreme Court later lifted the ban on 29 January 2019, after which the process of resuming safaris began.
The Chief Wildlife Warden said, “Elephant safaris play a vital role in connecting the younger generation with wildlife and forest conservation. Through the elephant safari, they will be able to see parts of the forest that are inaccessible to (vehicles).”
This initiative will further deepen the love for forests and wildlife among the youth and ultimately contribute to the conservation of forests and natural habitats, he added.
Published – 24 Nov 2025 21:45 IST
